• Recent

• News Archive

• Newsletters

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Index

Letter from Spouses’ President

I have been thinking about the difference between membership in the academy spouses’ group and other spousal support organizations. A few years ago I presided over another such organization, and even on a national level I felt that what I understood its main objectives to be filling a social/emotional need to belong, and to perpetuate its own existence. There were several very beneficial services the organization rendered, but those services were performed by about .01percent the members and were activities that could have been done by nonmembers (for that matter, they often were done by nonmembers of the organization).

It is not that I question the value of a group that offers friendship as a reason for belonging. However, I recognize the value of a group for which friendship is a by-product of great service and meaningful spiritual interaction.

The hand of our Father is over the proceedings of this growing organization, and it can be felt in the leadership meetings, the outreach activities, the annual meeting, and the hearts of the individuals who comprise its membership. I have long pondered the principle of preparing and doing all that we can and then waiting to see how things come together. In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses addresses the children of Israel as they were caught between the advancing army of Pharaoh and the waters of the Red Sea. They thought they would die, and they would rather have lived as slaves. However, Moses, their prophet, knew better.
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

The Lord did fight for them, as He always will when we obey and do all that we can to prepare to receive His blessings.

One more thing. In 3 Nephi 6:12 it says that those who obtain greater learning have likely had greater opportunity. “And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.”

We cannot control a system that allows for some to have enough and for others to be in dire need. What we can control is our attitude toward this situation. If we have been blessed, we live with the Lord’s expectation that we share our blessings with those who have less. This isn’t necessarily the place to discuss welfare principles, but they are properly observed as the ALDSD plans for the allocation of its funds and activities throughout the world.

It is not that we can serve while the unfortunate uneducated ones cannot. It is more that the coming together of our service and their service will somehow build everyone concerned into what we hope will be a true Zion community where there will be no poor among us— where everyone is aware of being able to make a singular, valued contribution to the good of the whole.

Please join us. Invite your friends. Plan to attend the annual meeting in August. Bring your children. Check the Web site for service opportunities in the meantime. And thank you for being who and where you are today. Nobody expects you to become more involved than your health, family circumstances, and means will allow. But we do hope that you will come as you are and allow the blessings of participation expand your souls and your vision.

Anne Chambers

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Index